×
FIFA World Cup 2026: Ex-Celtic midfielder Nakamura joins Japan coaching staff for World Cup  Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.Published on Apr 16, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ex-Celtic midfielder Nakamura joins Japan coaching staff for World Cup

Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.

The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.

The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.

“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”

Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.

He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.

“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup

Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.

The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.

The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.

“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”

Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.

He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.

“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

Source link
#FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup

Previous post

Deadspin | Stanley Cup playoffs to open with Saturday tripleheader <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28433877.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28433877.jpg" alt="NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Shea (5) and Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (39) battle for the puck during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Stanley Cup playoffs won’t have every seed finalized until later Thursday night, when the final batch of Western Conference games sorts out three remaining teams. But the NHL has revealed how the postseason will start.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Game 1 between the Ottawa Senators and Eastern Conference top seed Carolina Hurricanes will kick off a tripleheader of playoff games Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Minnesota Wild and host Dallas Stars are scheduled to clash 5:30 p.m. ET, and in-state rivals are saved for prime time when the Philadelphia Flyers visit the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8 p.m. ET.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The entire Eastern Conference playoff bracket has been locked in, with the Hurricanes beating out the Buffalo Sabres by four points to win the top seed and the right to host the second wild card. The Penguins and Flyers finished with identical point totals behind Carolina in the Metropolitan Division, but the Penguins earned home-ice advantage by the tiebreaker of regulation wins (34-27).</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>In the West, however, the Stars and Wild have been locked into the Central Division’s 2-versus-3 matchup the longest of any playoff pairing — but only one other series is finalized. The Vegas Golden Knights are Pacific Division champions and will face the No. 1 wild card Utah Mammoth, with their series starting on Sunday.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>Also Sunday, with all times TBD, the Boston Bruins will play Game 1 against the Sabres in Buffalo, the Montreal Canadiens visit the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche will host the second wild card out of the West.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Finally, the second and third seeds from the Pacific Division will begin their series Monday.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Those teams are known, but their order is not. The Edmonton Oilers (40-30-11, 91 points), Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6, 90 points) and Los Angeles Kings (35-26-20, 90 points) all conclude their regular seasons Thursday night and will occupy those three spots in some order.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Stanley #Cup #playoffs #open #Saturday #tripleheader

Next post

Deadspin | Offenses for Mets, Cubs trending in opposite directions entering series <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28703645.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28703645.jpg" alt="MLB: Athletics at New York Mets" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 10, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Bo Bichette (19) runs out a single against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The New York Mets are mired in their worst offensive slump in almost a decade — just in time to meet the Chicago Cubs, who are in the midst of a much-needed lineup revival.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Mets will look to snap a lengthy skid Friday afternoon when they visit the Cubs in the opener of a three-game series between the longtime National League rivals.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Kodai Senga (0-2, 7.07 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.62 ERA) in a battle of right-handers.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Both teams were off Thursday after completing road series Wednesday. The Mets continued sinking with an 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Cubs remained hot with an 11-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The loss was the eighth straight for the Mets, who have been blanked three times while being outscored 44-12 during a tailspin that began April 8, five days after Juan Soto sustained a strained right calf against the San Francisco Giants. Soto has begun his running progression at Citi Field and could return during a nine-game homestand for New York slated to begin next Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Twelve runs are the fewest for the Mets in an eight-game span since they also had 12 runs while going 1-7 from June 5-14, 2018. New York, which is batting .175 during the losing streak, has scored in just 10 of the last 72 innings and has ended a frame with a lead just seven times since its most recent win, a 10-inning 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 7.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Offseason acquisitions Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco are batting a combined .212. Two of the Mets’ five hits Wednesday were recorded by MJ Melendez, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>“It’s tough right now … everybody’s upset,” Bichette said. “I don’t really have much to say, other than I can’t explain it and we’ll keep on working and figure it out.”</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>The Cubs appeared to finish figuring out their offensive issues against the Phillies, whom they outscored 28-19 over the three-game series, including 21-6 over the final two games they won.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Chicago has scored 35 runs in its last four games dating to a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Cubs opened the season with 59 runs in their first 14 games, including 35 runs in the nine games prior to Sunday’s outburst.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Cubs also have at least 10 hits in each of the last four games after reaching double figures just three times in the first 14 games. Three players — Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw — had three hits apiece Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Shaw recorded three doubles and is just the fifth player in team history to collect three extra-base hits while batting ninth.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“When your nine hitter hits three doubles, that’s a good sign,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “We just did a nice job on offense again (Wednesday).”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Senga took the loss in his most recent start last Saturday, giving up a career-high seven runs over 2 1/3 innings as the Mets fell to the Athletics, 11-6. Cabrera didn’t factor into the decision last Saturday after allowing three runs on eight hits over five innings in the Cubs’ extra-innings loss to the Pirates.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Senga is 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Cabrera is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 10 starts against the Mets.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Offenses #Mets #Cubs #trending #directions #entering #series

Sony Pictures Networks India has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19-October 4.

As per the deal, the continental showpiece will be telecast on Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony LIV across India and the subcontinent. This will be the third consecutive time that the broadcasting giant will show the Asian Games in India.

“India’s historic performance at the last edition, where the nation crossed the 100-medal milestone (India won 107 medals) for the first time, has ignited unprecedented interest in multi-sport events,” Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head – Sports and International, SPNI said in a release.

The Asian Games, one of the biggest multi-sport events globally, will feature 41 disciplines, including 32 Olympic sports, with new additions such as mixed martial arts and surfing.

It is scheduled to take place at the Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya in Japan between September 19 to October 4.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Sony #acquires #broadcasting #rights #Asian #Games #India">Sony acquires broadcasting rights for Asian Games 2026 in India  Sony Pictures Networks India has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19-October 4.As per the deal, the continental showpiece will be telecast on Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony LIV across India and the subcontinent. This will be the third consecutive time that the broadcasting giant will show the Asian Games in India.“India’s historic performance at the last edition, where the nation crossed the 100-medal milestone  (India won 107 medals) for the first time, has ignited unprecedented interest in multi-sport events,” Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head – Sports and International, SPNI said in a release.The Asian Games, one of the biggest multi-sport events globally, will feature 41 disciplines, including 32 Olympic sports, with new additions such as mixed martial arts and surfing.It is scheduled to take place at the Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya in Japan between September 19 to October 4.Published on Apr 21, 2026  #Sony #acquires #broadcasting #rights #Asian #Games #India

Deadspin | Dodgers belt 5 homers, escape Colorado with split  Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Max Muncy homered twice and finished with four hits, Dalton Rushing also went deep twice, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 12-3 in Denver on Monday night.  Miguel Rojas homered and singled twice to reach 1,000 career hits, Santiago Espinal had two hits and Shohei Ohtani had a hit and two walks to extend his on-base streak to 52 games, one behind Shawn Green for second on the club’s all-time list since the move to Los Angeles.  Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski (3-0) allowed one run on eight hits in seven innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.  TJ Rumfield homered, Jordan Beck had three hits and Willi Castro and Brett Sullivan each singled twice for Colorado.  Rumfield entered the game in the bottom of the first when Tyler Freeman left with an illness.  The teams split the four-game series as the Dodgers’ snapped their first two-game losing streak of the season.  The Rockies took a 1-0 lead when Beck and Brenton Doyle opened the first with consecutive doubles, but Los Angeles jumped on top in the second when Muncy and Rojas hit back-to-back homers.   The Dodgers padded the lead in the third. Ohtani and Alex Call hit singles, Ohtani scored on an error by third baseman Kyle Karros, and Call came home on a double play. Los Angeles made it 5-1 in the fourth when Colorado starter Jose Quintana balked with the bases loaded, bringing home Muncy.  Muncy and Rojas began the sixth with singles to chase Quintana, and Muncy eventually scored when Tanner Gordon walked Call with three aboard.  Quintana (0-2) allowed six runs — four earned — on eight hits in five-plus innings. He walked one and fanned one.  Los Angeles added a run in the seventh when Gordon misplayed Rojas’ sacrifice bunt for Colorado’s third error of the game. Two more scored in the eighth on Rushing’s home run and an RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez.  Rumfield homered in the eighth and Muncy led off the ninth with his second of the game and eighth of the season. Rushing hit a two-run homer later in the ninth, his seventh of the year.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dodgers #belt #homers #escape #Colorado #splitApr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Max Muncy homered twice and finished with four hits, Dalton Rushing also went deep twice, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 12-3 in Denver on Monday night.

Miguel Rojas homered and singled twice to reach 1,000 career hits, Santiago Espinal had two hits and Shohei Ohtani had a hit and two walks to extend his on-base streak to 52 games, one behind Shawn Green for second on the club’s all-time list since the move to Los Angeles.

Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski (3-0) allowed one run on eight hits in seven innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.

TJ Rumfield homered, Jordan Beck had three hits and Willi Castro and Brett Sullivan each singled twice for Colorado.

Rumfield entered the game in the bottom of the first when Tyler Freeman left with an illness.

The teams split the four-game series as the Dodgers’ snapped their first two-game losing streak of the season.


The Rockies took a 1-0 lead when Beck and Brenton Doyle opened the first with consecutive doubles, but Los Angeles jumped on top in the second when Muncy and Rojas hit back-to-back homers.

The Dodgers padded the lead in the third. Ohtani and Alex Call hit singles, Ohtani scored on an error by third baseman Kyle Karros, and Call came home on a double play. Los Angeles made it 5-1 in the fourth when Colorado starter Jose Quintana balked with the bases loaded, bringing home Muncy.

Muncy and Rojas began the sixth with singles to chase Quintana, and Muncy eventually scored when Tanner Gordon walked Call with three aboard.

Quintana (0-2) allowed six runs — four earned — on eight hits in five-plus innings. He walked one and fanned one.

Los Angeles added a run in the seventh when Gordon misplayed Rojas’ sacrifice bunt for Colorado’s third error of the game. Two more scored in the eighth on Rushing’s home run and an RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez.

Rumfield homered in the eighth and Muncy led off the ninth with his second of the game and eighth of the season. Rushing hit a two-run homer later in the ninth, his seventh of the year.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #belt #homers #escape #Colorado #split">Deadspin | Dodgers belt 5 homers, escape Colorado with split  Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Max Muncy homered twice and finished with four hits, Dalton Rushing also went deep twice, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 12-3 in Denver on Monday night.  Miguel Rojas homered and singled twice to reach 1,000 career hits, Santiago Espinal had two hits and Shohei Ohtani had a hit and two walks to extend his on-base streak to 52 games, one behind Shawn Green for second on the club’s all-time list since the move to Los Angeles.  Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski (3-0) allowed one run on eight hits in seven innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.  TJ Rumfield homered, Jordan Beck had three hits and Willi Castro and Brett Sullivan each singled twice for Colorado.  Rumfield entered the game in the bottom of the first when Tyler Freeman left with an illness.  The teams split the four-game series as the Dodgers’ snapped their first two-game losing streak of the season.  The Rockies took a 1-0 lead when Beck and Brenton Doyle opened the first with consecutive doubles, but Los Angeles jumped on top in the second when Muncy and Rojas hit back-to-back homers.   The Dodgers padded the lead in the third. Ohtani and Alex Call hit singles, Ohtani scored on an error by third baseman Kyle Karros, and Call came home on a double play. Los Angeles made it 5-1 in the fourth when Colorado starter Jose Quintana balked with the bases loaded, bringing home Muncy.  Muncy and Rojas began the sixth with singles to chase Quintana, and Muncy eventually scored when Tanner Gordon walked Call with three aboard.  Quintana (0-2) allowed six runs — four earned — on eight hits in five-plus innings. He walked one and fanned one.  Los Angeles added a run in the seventh when Gordon misplayed Rojas’ sacrifice bunt for Colorado’s third error of the game. Two more scored in the eighth on Rushing’s home run and an RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez.  Rumfield homered in the eighth and Muncy led off the ninth with his second of the game and eighth of the season. Rushing hit a two-run homer later in the ninth, his seventh of the year.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dodgers #belt #homers #escape #Colorado #split

Post Comment